Odoo alternative - The best ERP systems for eCommerce at a glance

JTL was developed specifically for the requirements of eCommerce and bundles the entire value chain in one system with the ERP JTL-Wawi at its center. PIM, purchasing, shipping, returns, fulfillment, store system and marketplaces are directly integrated and interlock seamlessly. The native integration of all areas eliminates a lot of the setup work that is required in other ERP systems through additional apps or modules. Thanks to automation, over 700 plugins, 500 partners and a modern REST API, JTL can be flexibly expanded and reliably scaled – either in the cloud or locally. JTL is particularly strong in warehouse logistics: JTL-WMS is one of the most powerful solutions for growing mail order companies.

Above all, customers praise the scalability and fair cost development: they start with the free ERP and store system and only pay for additional functions as the company grows (source: Capterra). Long-time users emphasize the enormous variety of functions and the very good price-performance ratio, even with individual customizations (source: Trustpilot).

PlentyONE is a cloud-based ERP system that brings together all eCommerce processes in a central platform. The range of functions extends from product information and order management to the web store. PlentyONE is particularly strong in multichannel: The engine enables retailers to efficiently serve a large number of marketplaces from a single system.

However, the power density makes the tool complex, while individual requirements for stores or warehouses, for example, mean additional work. Many retailers find the cost structure challenging, as fees are strongly linked to turnover and the number of connected channels. One user criticized hidden fees as early as the test phase and unclear sales advice that led to unexpectedly high costs (source: Trustpilot).

Xentral is a lean cloud ERP that is well suited to smaller teams who want to get started quickly. The UI is modern and intuitive, making it easy to get started even for less tech-savvy merchants. The range of functions covers central B2B and B2C business processes, and standard integrations to store systems, marketplaces and POS are quickly ready for use.

Compared to even more specialized eCommerce systems, however, Xentral has a slightly lower functional depth and process coverage. With growing product ranges, more complex warehouse structures or individual business processes, the system reaches its limits. Many functions have to be supplemented with additional modules, third-party provider apps or workarounds, which can cause additional work and costs. One user also reports unfulfilled product promises as well as recurring technical problems and data loss (source: Capterra).

Weclapp is a cross-industry and reliable cloud ERP software that goes beyond classic eCommerce. In addition to ERP, modules for CRM, accounting and project management are also available, allowing all important sales, retail and team organization processes to be managed centrally.

Although weclapp offers a solid basis for online retailers, the initial focus of the ERP software is more on agencies and service companies, so deeper functions and integrations for multichannel, stock and logistics are missing. More complex requirements sometimes require adaptations that are already integrated in specialized eCommerce software. According to users, there are also regular price increases without a corresponding increase in functionality (source: Trustpilot), and some support requests remain unanswered (source: Trustpilot).

Billbee is an ERP-like solution that has been specially developed for small to medium-sized online retailers and focuses on simple item management and order processing in a multichannel context. Billbee uses various interfaces to connect marketplaces, store systems, shipping providers and accounting tools in one system and offers solid automation functions for recurring tasks. The system is considered cost-effective, intuitive and quick to set up, which is why it is particularly popular with new sellers in eCommerce.

However, Billbee is not a fully-fledged ERP system: it lacks the necessary depth for demanding companies with complex business processes, CRM functions or large warehouse structures; real scaling is therefore hardly possible in the long term. One user also complains about problems with API data synchronization as well as difficulties with onboarding and support (source: Trustpilot).

Haufe X360 is a modular cloud ERP platform for business processes in SMEs and comprehensively covers central areas such as ERP, CRM, financial accounting, controlling and quality management. The focus is less on eCommerce and more on mapping complex business processes. As a pure cloud solution, the platform offers flexibility, scalability and simple cross-location use.

Interfaces to some marketplaces, online stores, payment, shipping and logistics services are available for online retailers; however, Haufe X360 does not reach the depth of specialized eCommerce systems. The cross-industry focus can mean that additional customization and expensive integrations are necessary for very specific requirements. One user reports that promised functions could not be implemented (source: Capterra), another criticizes the lengthy setup and error-prone processes during operation (source: Capterra).

SAP Business One is an ERP solution from SAP for managing small and medium-sized companies that rely on reliable SAP standards and a high level of process security. The software offers a wide range of ERP functionality with a modular architecture, including powerful accounting, finance and BI tools. Deep integration into the SAP ecosystem avoids data silos and information flows seamlessly between all areas. The solution can be operated on-premises or in the cloud.

Typical eCommerce requirements such as marketplace connections, multichannel workflows or deeply integrated warehouse logistics are usually supplemented with add-ons from third-party providers or special partner solutions, which increases the overall costs. Overall, SAP Business One entails greater complexity compared to leaner ERP systems (source: Capterra), which can be a barrier to entry for new users. Other users also criticize high license fees and long implementation times (source: Capterra).

Sage 100 is an established ERP solution for small and medium-sized companies in the retail, service and manufacturing sectors that expect a complete commercial package. Modules for ERP, CRM or accounting can be flexibly combined so that companies can scale with exactly the functions they actually want to use. The software can be used both locally and in the cloud.

However, Sage 100 is less specialized for eCommerce requirements. The solution is more suitable for companies with classic commercial processes than for retailers who require a high level of process automation and diversified sales. Although a web store is available as an additional module, deeply integrated multichannel processes or automated logistics are only available to a limited extent. Extensions usually require implementation partners and can be complex and costly. One user reports that even simple standard functions had to be implemented at great expense and subsequently caused problems for months (source: Trustpilot).

Oracle NetSuite is a cloud-native ERP suite with a strong focus on finance, supply chain management and AI. The solution is primarily aimed at medium-sized and larger, internationally active companies with complex financial and project structures. The deep integration into Oracle CX and multi-cloud environments creates a stable, scalable platform that can map multiple subsidiaries, currencies and languages and eliminates the need for many third-party provider add-ons.

Integrations to store systems, marketplaces and fulfillment service providers are available for eCommerce. However, numerous functions only become really in-depth via fee-based add-on modules or partner solutions, which makes NetSuite powerful but expensive overall (source: Capterra). The limited flexibility with very individual workflows can cause additional development effort. The system often seems too complex for new users and requires a steep learning curve (source: Capterra).